Camping gets easier on wallet

Campers could find they are paying one or two dollars less a night to stay at some of the 13 Department of Conservation campsites located in Northland.

DoC is putting some camp fees up nationwide but its introduction of a three-tier system, based on the standard of facilities, means some Northland sites will be cheaper than at present.

Current fees paid for campsites and Great Walks huts vary around the country and the new system, which comes into effect on July 1, will set uniform charges.

In Northland the fees at a "scenic" campground will be $10 nightly for an adult, and $6 at a "standard" one. At some, a peak and an off-peak charge will apply. The campsites are at Tapotoputu, Spirits Bay, Rarawa Beach, Matai Bay, Puketi Forest, three on Urupukapuka Island, Puriri Bay, Otamure Bay (Whananaki), Waikahoa Bay (Mimiwhangata), Uretiti and Trounson Kauri Park.

In some parts of New Zealand the Tier 1 (Serviced campsites), at $15 a night, offer many additional services. There are none of those in Northland, nor are there any Great Walks.

Basic campsites, where people can stay on DoC land but there are no facilities, will remain free.

Tier 2 and 3 sites have composting or pit toilets, a water supply (tap/stream/lake), vehicle or boat access and can include wood barbecues, cold showers, picnic tables, cooking shelter and rubbish bins.